Environmental Issues Around the World

Air, Land, Trees, & Water

Main Environmental Issues Around the World

Air & Land• Air Pollution in the Mexico

City & the U.K.• Acid rain in Germany &

Canada• Nuclear Disaster at

Chernobyl in the Ukraine• Extraction of Minerals in the

Canadian Shield

Water & Trees• Oil Pollution in Venezuela• Deforestation in Brazil• Clearcutting in Canada• Water Pollution of the Great

Lakes

Major Environmental Issues Around the World

Major Environmental Issues Around the World

Major Environmental Issues Around the World

Air Pollution in Mexico City

Mexico City

• Centuries ago, Mexico City was founded in the crater of an extinct volcano

• It was known as Tenochtilan and served as the Capital City of the Aztec Empire

• The air was clear and you could see the mountains in the distance

Mexico City Today

• Today, Mexico City is one of the most densely populated cities in the world

• Its bowl – shaped geographic feature keeps air pollution trapped in the city

• Most days, the view of the mountains are blocked

Mexico City Solutions

• The government is passing laws:

• 1) to limit how often you can drive

• 2) enforcing strict emissions inspections

Air Pollution in the United Kingdom• United Kingdom is an island

country.

• The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

• Smog = The reaction of Sunlight + Water in the air mixed with smoke from automobile and factory exhaust

Age Old Problem of Air Pollution in the United Kingdom

• As early as the 1300’s, a king of England named Edward I banned the burning of coal to curb air pollution

• Today, most of the air pollution in the U.K. comes from emissions from cars and trucks and ozone.

Air Pollution in the United Kingdom

• Coal Burning Power Plants have contributed to much of the air pollution in the United Kingdom

• 1952: Great Smog

Great Smog of 1952

• 4 days of dense smog• Increase in crime, slowed

transportation, and death from pollution

• 4,000 people died from the pollution

• Because of the Great Smog, government created smokeless zones

Solutions to Air Pollution in the United Kingdom

• The government encourages the use of buses and subway stations

• Cleaner fuels are encouraged

• Emissions standards are set and air quality is checked regularly

Acid Rain in Germany

Wind Currents

Causes of Acid Rain

• Germany is located in north central Europe

• Nature’s role: Toxic smoke carried by air currents (wind) from other countries fall as Acid Rain over Germany

Effects of Acid Rain in Germany

• Ruined forests including nearly half of the Black Forest

• Pollutes the Danube and the Rhine Rivers

• Damages statues and buildings

Challenges and Solutions

• Getting other countries to stop using fossil fuels is a challenge

• Germany is developing other types of energy; such as wind turbines and solar power.

• The largest wind farm and solar power plant in the world is located in Germany.

Other Solutions to the Air Problem

• One solution to the air problem is to Monitor air quality

• Laws forcing automakers to build vehicles that produce less harmful exhaust

• Asks citizens to drive less by biking or walking

Acid Rain in Canada

• Canada also is dealing with the problem of Acid Rain

• Much like Germany, the wind is bringing pollution from factories across Canada and the United States

Effects of Acid Rain in Canada

• A major problem in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec

• Acid is poisoning the forests, soil, and lakes

• Lower profits in industries such as fishing, forestry, and agriculture

Chernobyl, Ukraine

• Ukraine was once known as the breadbasket because of its rich farmland

Chernobyl Disaster

• 1986 Nuclear disaster in the Ukraine

• Explosion of one of the nuclear reactors

• Poisoned the land and water with radioactive material

After Effects

• Drinking water unsafe for months

• Fish not safe to eat for years• Increased cases of Cancer• Contaminated surface water,

ground water, and farmland• Considered one of the most

polluted places on earth• (Click picture at the top to

learn more about animals in the Chernobyl area)

Regional/Global Debate

• How to dispose nuclear waste?

• How should nuclear energy be regulated?

• Which is a bigger risk, nuclear energy or fossil fuel?

Has no Borders